CEClang.74


TITLE:  Use of Literature in SDMPS

AUTHOR:  Beth Hevern, St. Agatha; Portland, OR

GRADE LEVEL:  3-5

OVERVIEW:  This lesson is an excellent way to incorporate
literature with the social decision making process. The
character in the story has a problem that young students can
easily relate to. Someone is bugging them. The students can
take a look at how the character solved his problem and also
brainstorm other solutions that could be used. They can then
use those solutions to develop their own ending to the
story. Thus, incorporating creative writing as well.

OBJECTIVE(s):  Students will be able to:
1.   Demonstrate their knowledge of the eight step problem
     solving process.
2.   Explain the steps that the character took to solve his
     problem.
3.   Give other solutions to the problem.
4.   Describe how the story would change according to the
     solution chosen.
5.   Rewrite an ending to the story based upon a solution
     other than the one in the story.

MATERIALS:  Social Decision Making and Problem Solving
curriculum, the book Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.   Student or teacher read the chapter "Henry Write a
     Letter" from the book, Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary.
2.   Teacher leads a discussion based upon the 8 steps of
     problem solving. Taking a look at how Henry solved his
     problem.
3.   After discussing how Henry solved his problem the
     students can then brainstorm other possible solutions
     to his problem.
4.   Based upon the results of the discussion the students
     can use one of the solutions that the class came up
     with or one of their own to rewrite an ending to the
     story.
5.   Students can then share their new ending with their
     classmates.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:  This is an excellent way for
students to become actively involved in solving problems.
The character of the story is very easy for kids to relate
to. His problems are not unlike the ones that many children
face. They are not only working on their problem solving
skills, but also on their creative writing skills.